U.S. patent application number 12/937386 was filed with the patent office on 2011-02-03 for hand drying apparatus.
This patent application is currently assigned to Mitsubishi Electric Corporation. Invention is credited to Yoshihiro Fukaya, Takaki Kobayashi.
Application Number | 20110023319 12/937386 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 41216518 |
Filed Date | 2011-02-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110023319 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Fukaya; Yoshihiro ; et
al. |
February 3, 2011 |
HAND DRYING APPARATUS
Abstract
A hand drying apparatus includes a main box body in which a hand
insertion portion is provided for allowing insertion/pulling out of
hands and a water pan is provided for collecting water drops blown
away from hands. In the main box body, a drain tank is disposed for
accumulating water that is collected in the water pan. The drain
tank is attached to the main box body in a detachable manner. A
first lock mechanism is disposed for restricting removal of the
drain tank. Moreover, an operating unit is disposed for switching
the operating state of the apparatus and is covered with an
openable-closable operating unit cap. A third lock mechanism is
disposed for restricting opening and closing of the operating unit
cap.
Inventors: |
Fukaya; Yoshihiro; (Tokyo,
JP) ; Kobayashi; Takaki; (Tokyo, JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BUCHANAN, INGERSOLL & ROONEY PC
POST OFFICE BOX 1404
ALEXANDRIA
VA
22313-1404
US
|
Assignee: |
Mitsubishi Electric
Corporation
Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
JP
|
Family ID: |
41216518 |
Appl. No.: |
12/937386 |
Filed: |
April 23, 2008 |
PCT Filed: |
April 23, 2008 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/JP2008/057850 |
371 Date: |
October 12, 2010 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
34/202 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47K 10/48 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
34/202 |
International
Class: |
F26B 25/06 20060101
F26B025/06 |
Claims
1. A hand drying apparatus comprising: a main box body that
includes a hand insertion portion for allowing insertion/pulling
out of hands and a water pan for collecting water drops blown away
from hands; a high-pressure airstream generating device housed in
the main box body for generating a high-pressure airstream; a
nozzle through which a high-pressure airstream generated by the
high-pressure airstream generating device is ejected inside the
hand insertion portion; and a drain tank for accumulating water
that is collected in the water pan, wherein the drain tank is
attached to the main box body in a detachable manner, and a first
lock mechanism is disposed for restricting removal of the drain
tank.
2. The hand drying apparatus according to claim 1, further
comprising an air filter disposed at an air inlet of the main box
body, wherein the air filter is housed in a filter housing having
an openable-closable housing cap, an engaging unit is formed on the
drain tank for restricting opening and closing of the housing cap
and, only when the drain tank is removed, allowing the housing cap
to open and close, and the first lock mechanism also restricts
opening and closing of the housing cap.
3. (canceled)
4. (canceled)
5. The hand drying apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a
security alarm is disposed for ringing an audible alert if the
drain tank is removed without correctly unlocking the first lock
mechanism.
6. (canceled)
7. The hand drying apparatus according to claim 1, further
comprising an air filter disposed at an air inlet of the main box
body, wherein the air filter is housed in a filter housing having
an openable-closable housing cap, and a second lock mechanism is
disposed for restricting opening and closing of the housing
cap.
8. The hand drying apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the
first lock mechanism and the second lock mechanism are unlocked by
a single key.
9. (canceled)
10. (canceled)
11. The hand drying apparatus according to claim 1, further
comprising an operating unit for switching an apparatus operating
state, wherein the operating unit is covered with an
openable-closable operating unit cap, and a third lock mechanism is
disposed for restricting opening and closing of the operating unit
cap.
12. The hand drying apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the
first lock mechanism and the third lock mechanism are unlocked by a
single key.
13. (canceled)
14. (canceled)
15. The hand drying apparatus according to claim 7, further
comprising an operating unit for switching an apparatus operating
state, wherein the operating unit is covered with an
openable-closable operating unit cap, and a third lock mechanism is
disposed for restricting opening and closing of the operating unit
cap.
16. The hand drying apparatus according to claim 15, wherein at
least two lock mechanisms from among the first lock mechanism to
the third lock mechanism are unlocked by a single key.
17. (canceled)
18. (canceled)
19. A hand drying apparatus comprising: a main box body that
includes a hand insertion portion for allowing insertion/pulling
out of hands and a water pan for collecting water drops blown away
from hands; a high-pressure airstream generating device housed in
the main box body for generating a high-pressure airstream; a
nozzle through which a high-pressure airstream generated by the
high-pressure airstream generating device is ejected inside the
hand insertion portion; and an air filter disposed at an air inlet
of the main box body, wherein the air filter is housed in a filter
housing having an openable-closable housing cap, and a second lock
mechanism is disposed for restricting opening and closing of the
housing cap.
20. (canceled)
21. (canceled)
22. The hand drying apparatus according to claim 19, wherein a
security alarm is disposed for ringing an audible alert if the
housing cap is opened without correctly unlocking the second lock
mechanism.
23. The hand drying apparatus according to claim 19, further
comprising an operating unit for switching an apparatus operating
state, wherein the operating unit is covered with an
openable-closable operating unit cap, and a third lock mechanism is
disposed for restricting opening and closing of the operating unit
cap.
24. The hand drying apparatus according to claim 23, wherein the
second lock mechanism and the third lock mechanism are unlocked by
a single key.
25. (canceled)
26. (canceled)
27. A hand drying apparatus comprising: a main box body that
includes a hand insertion portion for allowing insertion/pulling
out of hands and a water pan for collecting water drops blown away
from hands; a high-pressure airstream generating device housed in
the main box body for generating a high-pressure airstream; a
nozzle through which a high-pressure airstream generated by the
high-pressure airstream generating device is ejected inside the
hand insertion portion; and an operating unit for switching an
apparatus operating state, wherein the operating unit is covered
with an openable-closable operating unit cap, and a third lock
mechanism is disposed for restricting opening and closing of the
operating unit cap.
28. (canceled)
29. (canceled)
30. The hand drying apparatus according to claim 27, wherein a
security alarm is disposed for ringing an audible alert if the
operating unit cap is opened without correctly unlocking the third
lock mechanism.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to a hand drying apparatus for
hygienic drying of wet hands after hand-washing, and more
particularly relates to a hand drying apparatus that includes a
drain tank or an air filter attached to a main body in a detachable
manner or includes an openable-closable operating unit.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] As apparatuses for drying wet hands after hand-washing, hand
drying apparatuses are available that make use of a high-speed
airstream for blowing away the water drops attached to the hands.
In such an apparatus, in a main box body forming an outer casing, a
hand insertion portion in a hollow shape is provided as a
processing space. In the hand insertion portion, an air nozzle is
disposed and to the air nozzle, an air duct is joined. In turn, the
air duct is connected to an air blower (high-pressure airstream
generating device) that blows a high-pressure airstream into the
hand insertion portion. During a hand drying operation, the water
blown away inside the hand insertion portion is drained into a
drain tank disposed beneath the hand insertion portion via a water
pan, which is disposed at the bottom of the hand insertion portion.
Herein, Patent Literature 1 and Patent Literature 2 are referred to
for the disclosure of relevant conventional technologies.
[0003] Patent Literature 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-open
No. H11-244192
Patent Literature 2: Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No.
2001-327433
DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION
Problem to be Solved by the Invention
[0004] In a hand drying apparatus for drying hands with a
high-pressure airstream; as a protection for an air blower, an air
filter is necessary for removing dust from the indrawn air.
Besides, a drain tank is also necessary for accumulating the water
blown away while drying the hands so that the blown water does not
drip onto the floor. In Patent Literature 1, in order to solve the
problem of forgetting to attach the drain tank or the air filter
after cleaning the apparatus, the drain tank and the air filter are
linked together. Besides, the hand drying apparatus is configured
not to operate unless the air filter is attached. In the case of
such a configuration, if the drain tank or the air filter goes
missing due to a mischief or theft; that can cause dripping of
water onto the floor, drawing in of dust or foreign objects, or
shutdown for a prolonged period of time.
[0005] Furthermore, a hand drying apparatus includes a power ON/OFF
switch that is used at the time of cleaning the main body or
switching OFF the hand drying apparatus when it is not used for a
long period of time. In Patent Literature 2, in order to prevent a
power ON/OFF switch from coming in direct contact with water or in
order to avoid accidental use thereof by users, the power ON/OFF
switch is disposed in the lower part of the outer casing or at the
backside of the outer casing. In this case, although the location
of the power ON/OFF switch is not easily identifiable, it is not
reliable enough and therefore it can be operated mischievously.
Besides, a hand drying apparatus also includes an air volume
regulator by which the administrator can adjust the air blower
output in environments where silence is required. However, if a
user takes liberties to increase the air volume, then the undesired
noise can become a problem.
[0006] The present invention has been made to solve the above
problems in the conventional technology and it is an object of the
present invention to provide a hand drying apparatus that can
prevent theft or mischievous operations, and that includes a lock
mechanism for locking a drain tank or an operating unit such that
removal of the drain tank or operations using the operating unit
can be performed only by correctly unlocking the lock
mechanism.
Means for Solving Problem
[0007] A hand drying apparatus according to an aspect of the
present invention includes: a main box body that includes a hand
insertion portion for allowing insertion/pulling out of hands and a
water pan for collecting water drops blown away from hands; a
high-pressure airstream generating device housed in the main box
body for generating a high-pressure airstream; a nozzle through
which a high-pressure airstream generated by the high-pressure
airstream generating device is ejected inside the hand insertion
portion; and a drain tank for accumulating water that is collected
in the water pan, wherein the drain tank is attached to the main
box body in a detachable manner, and a first lock mechanism is
disposed for restricting removal of the drain tank.
[0008] Furthermore, another hand drying apparatus according to
another aspect of the present invention further includes an air
filter disposed at an air inlet of the main box body, wherein the
air filter is housed in a filter housing having an
openable-closable housing cap, and a second lock mechanism is
disposed for restricting opening and closing of the housing
cap.
[0009] Furthermore, another hand drying apparatus according to
another aspect of the present invention further includes an
operating unit for switching an apparatus operating state, wherein
the operating unit is covered with an openable-closable operating
unit cap, and a third lock mechanism is disposed for restricting
opening and closing of the operating unit cap.
EFFECT OF THE INVENTION
[0010] According to an aspect of the present invention, a drain
tank or an air filter can be removed only when an administrator or
a cleaning worker intends to do so. As a result, it becomes
possible to deter theft or mischievous operations. Besides, a
situation in which the hand drying apparatus is switched OFF when a
user wishes to use it or a situation in which the hand drying
apparatus does not operate in a state set by the administrator can
be prevented from occurring, thereby making the hand drying
apparatus more friendly.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0011] FIG. 1 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a hand drying
apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present
invention.
[0012] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the hand drying apparatus
according to the first embodiment.
[0013] FIG. 3 is a right side cross-sectional view of the
surrounding part of a drain tank 9 disposed on the lower side of a
main box body 1.
[0014] FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of the drain tank and an air
filter housing illustrated in FIG. 2.
[0015] FIG. 5 is an enlarged view illustrating the surrounding part
of an operating unit cap illustrated in FIG. 2.
[0016] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of an operating unit.
[0017] FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of the air filter housing
disposed in the hand drying apparatus according to a second
embodiment of the present invention.
[0018] FIG. 8 is an enlarged view illustrating the surrounding part
of the operating unit cap in the hand drying apparatus according to
a third embodiment of the present invention.
[0019] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram explaining a condition when a
light receiving unit in the hand drying apparatus according to a
fourth embodiment of the present invention and a remote control
perform communication.
[0020] FIG. 10 is an enlarged view of the air filter housing
disposed in the hand drying apparatus according to a fifth
embodiment of the present invention.
EXPLANATIONS OF LETTERS OR NUMERALS
[0021] 1 Main box body [0022] 2 Air blower (high-pressure airstream
generating device) [0023] 3 Hand insertion portion [0024] 4 Base
[0025] 5 Front side panel [0026] 6 Water pan [0027] 7 Drain outlet
[0028] 8 Drainpipe [0029] 9 Drain tank [0030] 10 Cap of drain tank
[0031] 11 Inlet passageway [0032] 12 Air inlet [0033] 13 Air filter
[0034] 14 Heater [0035] 15, 15B Drain tank lock mechanism (first
lock mechanism) [0036] 16 Heater box [0037] 17 Drain tank
protrusion (engaging unit) [0038] 18 Operating unit cap [0039] 19,
19B Operating unit lock mechanism (third lock mechanism) [0040] 20
Dedicated key [0041] 21 Housing cap [0042] 22, 22B
Air-filter-housing lock mechanism (second lock mechanism) [0043] 23
Backside panel [0044] 24 Air volume regulator [0045] 25 Power
ON/OFF switch [0046] 26 Heater switch [0047] 27 Secret number
verification screen [0048] 28 Secret number input button [0049] 29
Remote control [0050] 30 Remote-control light receiving unit (light
receiving unit)
BEST MODE(S) FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
[0051] Firstly, an outline of a hand drying apparatus according to
the present invention is explained followed by the description of
specific embodiments.
[0052] In the hand drying apparatus according to the present
invention, a high-pressure airstream generating device for
generating a high-pressure airstream is installed in a main box
body, in which a hand insertion portion is provided as a hollow
space. An air inlet, through which the air is drawn in the
high-pressure airstream generating device, opens at the lowermost
part of the main box body as the end of an inlet passageway formed
inside the main box body. To the air inlet is fixed an air filter
for blocking entry of dust. Upon passing through the air filter,
the air is heated by a heater disposed in the inlet passageway. On
the lower side of the hand insertion portion in the main box body,
a drain tank is fixed in a detachable manner and can be
detached/attached by removal/insertion along the front-back
direction. The high-pressure airstream generated by the
high-pressure airstream generating device is guided to an air
nozzle disposed at the top of the hand insertion portion. Through
the air nozzle, the high-pressure airstream is ejected inside the
hand insertion portion so that the water attached to the hands
inserted in the hand insertion portion is blown away. The blown
water is drained into the drain tank through a drain outlet
provided to a water pan at the bottom of the hand insertion
portion.
[0053] In the hand drying apparatus according to the present
invention, a lock mechanism is provided to the drain tank. Thus,
the drain tank can be removed when an administrator or a cleaning
worker unlocks the lock mechanism using a dedicated key. Hence,
other than certain people possessing the key, nobody can remove the
drain tank. That makes it possible to deter mischievous operations
or theft by users.
[0054] Moreover, in the hand drying apparatus according to the
present invention, an engaging unit is disposed in the drain tank
for restricting the removal of the air filter. Due to such a
configuration, the air filter can be removed only after the lock
mechanism for the drain tank is unlocked and the drain tank is
removed. Thus, the lock mechanism for the drain tank also functions
as a lock mechanism for the air filter.
[0055] In the hand drying apparatus, an operating unit covered with
an openable-closable cap is disposed on a portion of the main box
body that forms the outer casing. The operating unit includes a
power ON/OFF switch, a heater switch, and an air volume regulator
that is used to regulate the volume of the high-pressure airstream.
In the hand drying apparatus according to the present invention, a
lock mechanism is provided for the openable-closable cap of the
operating unit. Due to such a configuration, opening and closing of
the cap of the operating unit is not possible except for the
administrator or the cleaning worker. That eliminates the concern
about mischievous operations by users of the power ON/OFF switch or
the regulator for the high-pressure airstream disposed in the
operating unit.
[0056] Moreover, in the hand drying apparatus according to the
present invention, a plurality of lock mechanisms can be unlocked
using a single key. Besides, the plurality of lock mechanisms can
be unlocked using the same unlocking method. Such a configuration
enables achieving reduction in the time and effort of the cleaning
worker while performing maintenance as well as enables achieving a
simplified configuration that makes the hand drying apparatus
economical. Meanwhile, for example, the unlocking method can
include inputting a secret number from a single input unit or
inputting signals to a single light receiving unit from a single
remote control.
[0057] Furthermore, in the hand drying apparatus according to the
present invention, a buzzer rings an audible alert if an attempt is
made to remove the drain tank or the air filter or to open/close
the operating unit cap without correctly unlocking the lock
mechanism. Due to such a configuration, it becomes possible to
deter theft or mischievous operations by users or unspecified
persons. Besides, in case a mischievous operation or theft is
attempted, the people around can be informed about the incident.
That results in the enhancement of the product safety.
[0058] Exemplary embodiments for the hand drying apparatus
according to the present invention will be described below in
detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The present
invention is not limited to those embodiments.
First Embodiment
[0059] FIG. 1 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the hand drying
apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the hand drying apparatus according
to the present embodiment. A hand drying apparatus 100 according to
the present embodiment includes a main box body 1 forming an outer
casing of the apparatus. The main box body 1 includes a base 4
forming a backside outer casing and a front side panel 5 forming a
front side outer casing. At the top of the main box body 1 is
provided a hand insertion portion 3 as a hollow space for allowing
insertion/pulling out of hands. At the bottom of the hand insertion
portion 3 is formed a water pan 6 for collecting the water blown
away from the hands.
[0060] Inside the main box body 1 is installed an air blower
(high-pressure airstream generating device) 2 for generating a
high-pressure airstream. An air inlet 12, through which air is
drawn in for the air blower 2, opens at the lowermost part of the
main box body 1 as the end of an inlet passageway 11, which is
formed inside the main box body 1. To the air inlet 12 is fixed an
air filter 13 for blocking entry of dust. Upon passing through the
air filter 13, the air is heated by a heater 14 disposed in the
inlet passageway 11. At the lower side of the hand insertion
portion 3 in the main box body 1 is detachably fixed a drain tank
9. The drain tank 9 can be detached/attached by removal/insertion
along the front-back direction in a drawer-like manner. The
high-pressure airstream generated by the air blower 2 is guided to
an air nozzle 3a disposed at the top of the hand insertion portion
3. Through the air nozzle 3a, the high-pressure airstream is
ejected inside the hand insertion portion 3 so that the water
attached to the hands inserted in the hand insertion portion 3 is
blown away. The blown water is then drained into the drain tank 9
through a drain outlet 7, which is provided to the water pan 6 at
the bottom of the hand insertion portion 3, and via a drainpipe
8.
[0061] At the top of the front side of the main box body 1, the
hand insertion portion 3 is formed as a hollow space open on both
sides for allowing insertion/pulling out of hands. The water blown
away inside the hand insertion portion 3 is collected in the water
pan 6 having a slope and then guided to the drain outlet 7 at the
lower end of the slope.
[0062] To the drain outlet 7 is connected the drainpipe 8. The
water drained via the drainpipe 8 is accumulated in the drain tank
9 that is an open-type vessel. To the drain tank 9 is fixed a
removable cap 10. The drain tank 9 and the cap 10 thereof are made
of a chemical-resistant resin such as PP, ABS, or ASA, and can be
cleaned by washing with a neutral detergent and alcohol. In order
to reduce adhesion of dirt or curb growth of bacteria on the
surface of the hand insertion portion 3, it is coated with a
water-shedding coating of silicon series or fluorine series, or
coated with a hydrophilic coating of titanium oxide, or impregnated
with an antibacterial agent.
[0063] The air blower 2 includes a brushless DC motor (also
possible to use a commutator motor or an induction motor), a
driving circuit for driving the brushless DC motor, and a turbofan
that is rotated by the brushless DC motor. In the present
embodiment, the air blower 2 is fixed immediately beneath the hand
insertion portion 3. In the inlet passageway 11 behind the air
inlet 12 is disposed a heater box 16, inside which is installed the
heater 14 that is a thermal storage type heater.
[0064] With reference to FIG. 2, at the top of the left side
surface of the main box body 1 is disposed an operating unit (not
illustrated) for switching the operating state of the apparatus.
The operating unit is covered with an openable-closable operating
unit cap 18. Moreover, the operating unit includes a power ON/OFF
switch, a heater switch, and an air volume regulator.
[0065] FIG. 3 is a right side cross-sectional view of the
surrounding part of the drain tank 9 disposed on the lower side of
the main box body 1. As indicated by an arrow A in FIG. 3, the
drain tank 9 can be removed/inserted along the front-back
direction. In the lower part at the center of the drain tank 9 is
disposed a drain tank lock mechanism (first lock mechanism) 15 for
restricting the removal of the drain tank 9. Inside a key inserting
portion of the drain tank lock mechanism 15 provided on the drain
tank 9, a predetermined groove and a projection is provided. The
drain tank lock mechanism 15 is rotated (unlocked) by inserting
therein a dedicated key 20 manufactured to match the shape of the
key inserting portion. On the other hand, inside the heater box 16,
a portion that engages with the drain tank lock mechanism 15 is
present such that the engagement therebetween at the time when they
overlap makes it impossible to pull out the drain tank 9. Due to
such a configuration, only the administrator or the cleaning worker
possessing the dedicated key can detach and attach the drain tank
9. That makes it possible to deter mischievous operations or
theft.
[0066] FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of the drain tank and an air
filter housing illustrated in FIG. 2. The air filter housing is
disposed at the opening of the air inlet 12 and includes an
openable-closable housing cap 21. With hinges 21a fixed at one end,
the housing cap 21 is linked to the heater box 16. The housing cap
21 rotates around the hinges 21a, which function as the supporting
points, and opens to the near side as indicated by an arrow B so
that the air filter 13 disposed inside can be removed. On the open
side edge of the housing cap 21, rests a drain tank protrusion 17
extending from the drain tank 9. The drain tank protrusion 17 is
manufactured by folding a strip of metal plate in a cross-sectional
L-shape and is fixed to the drain tank 9 by a screw (not
illustrated). The drain tank protrusion 17 restricts the opening of
the housing cap 21. When the drain tank 9 is pulled out along an
arrow C, the drain tank protrusion 17 comes off from the housing
cap 21. That makes it possible to open the housing cap 21 and in
turn to remove the air filter 13. Herein, unless the dedicated key
20 is used to unlock the drain tank lock mechanism 15, the drain
tank 9 cannot be pulled out. That means that the air filter 13 also
cannot be removed. Thus, the drain tank lock mechanism 15 also
serves as a lock mechanism for restricting the removal of the air
filter 13. Such a configuration eliminates the need to dispose a
separate lock mechanism for deterring theft or mischievous
operations of the air filter 13. Hence, the configuration can be
simplified at a low cost. Incidentally, it is also possible to
manufacture the drain tank protrusion 17 in an integrated manner
with the drain tank 9.
[0067] FIG. 5 is an enlarged view illustrating the surrounding part
of the operating unit cap illustrated in FIG. 2. FIG. 6 is a
cross-sectional view of the operating unit. With a hinge mechanism
(not illustrated) fixed at one end, the operating unit cap 18 is
linked to the main box body. The operating unit cap 18 rotates
around the hinge mechanism, which functions as the supporting
point, and opens to the near side as indicated by an arrow D in
FIG. 5. In that condition, a power ON/OFF switch 25, a heater
switch 26, and an air volume regulator 24 disposed on an operating
unit 18B inside can be operated. On the operating unit cap 18, an
operating unit lock mechanism (third lock mechanism) 19 is disposed
for restricting the opening and closing of the operating unit cap
18. Inside the operating unit lock mechanism 19, a key inserting
portion is formed with a predetermined groove and a projection. In
order to rotate (unlock) the operating unit lock mechanism 19, the
dedicated key 20 manufactured to match the shape of the key
inserting portion needs to be inserted therein. When the operating
unit lock mechanism 19 is rotated, the leading end thereof overlaps
with a portion of a backside panel 23 thereby restricting the
opening of the operating unit cap 18. Due to such a configuration;
the power ON/OFF switch 25, the heater switch 26, and the air
volume regulator 24 disposed on the operating unit 18B are
prevented from being mischievously operated by the users. That is,
only the person in charge possessing the dedicated key 20 can
operate the power ON/OFF switch 25, the heater switch 26, and the
air volume regulator 24. That makes the supervision task
easier.
[0068] In addition, the key inserting portion of the drain tank
lock mechanism (first lock mechanism) 15 and the key inserting
portion of the operating unit lock mechanism (third lock mechanism)
19 can be made to have the same shape such that a single dedicated
key can be used to unlock those lock mechanisms. Such a
configuration makes the supervision task easier as well as enhances
the workability.
Second Embodiment
[0069] FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of the air filter housing
disposed in the hand drying apparatus according to a second
embodiment of the present invention. Herein, the elements identical
to those in the first embodiment are referred to by the same
reference numerals and the explanation thereof is not repeated.
[0070] The air filter housing is disposed at the opening of the air
inlet 12 and includes the openable-closable housing cap 21. With
the hinges 21a fixed at one end, the housing cap 21 is linked to
the heater box 16. The housing cap 21 rotates around the hinges
21a, which function as the supporting points, and opens to the near
side so that the air filter 13 disposed inside can be removed. At
the open side edge of the housing cap 21 is disposed an
air-filter-housing lock mechanism (second lock mechanism) 22.
Inside the air-filter-housing lock mechanism 22, a key inserting
portion is formed with a predetermined groove and a projection. The
air-filter-housing lock mechanism 22 can be rotated (unlocked) by
inserting therein the dedicated key 20 manufactured to match the
shape of the key inserting portion. Furthermore, the
air-filter-housing lock mechanism 22 and the heater box 16 are
configured to partially engage with each other. When the
air-filter-housing lock mechanism 22 and the heater box 16 are
overlapped, the housing cap 21 cannot be opened and the air filter
13 cannot be removed. When the dedicated key 20 is used to rotate
the air-filter-housing lock mechanism 22, the air filter 13
disposed inside can be removed. Due to such a configuration, only
the administrator or the cleaning worker possessing the dedicated
key can remove the air filter 13. That makes it possible to deter
theft or mischievous operations. Apart from that, the configuration
is identical to that in the first embodiment.
[0071] In addition, the key inserting portions of the
air-filter-housing lock mechanism (second lock mechanism) 22, the
drain tank lock mechanism (first lock mechanism) 15, and the
operating unit lock mechanism (third lock mechanism) 19 can be made
to have the same shape such that a single dedicated key can be used
to unlock those lock mechanisms. Such a configuration makes the
supervision task easier as well as enhances the workability. Such
an effect can be achieved by using a single dedicated key to
perform locking of at least two lock mechanisms.
Third Embodiment
[0072] FIG. 8 is an enlarged view illustrating the surrounding part
of the operating unit cap in the hand drying apparatus according to
a third embodiment of the present invention. Herein, the elements
identical to those in the first embodiment are referred to by the
same reference numerals and the explanation thereof is not
repeated.
[0073] The operating unit cap 18 is linked to the main box body 1
with a hinge mechanism (not illustrated) fixed at one end of the
operating unit cap 18. The operating unit cap 18 rotates around the
hinge mechanism, which functions as the supporting point, and opens
to the near side. In that configuration, the power ON/OFF switch
25, the heater switch 26, and the air volume regulator 24 disposed
inside the operating unit 18B can be operated. On the operating
unit cap 18 is disposed an operating unit lock mechanism (third
lock mechanism) 19B for restricting the opening and closing of the
operating unit cap 18. Moreover, at the top of the main box body 1
is disposed a secret number verification screen (secret number
input unit) 27 for unlocking the operating unit lock mechanism 19B.
Adjacent to the secret number verification screen 27 is provided a
secret number input button 28 that can be used by the administrator
to set an arbitrary secret number. At the time of cleaning, when
the secret number set as the initial setting is input in the secret
number verification screen 27, a microcomputer installed inside the
product recognizes the input secret number and outputs an unlock
signal if the secret number matches. Because of that, the operating
unit lock mechanism 19B is unlocked. Due to such a configuration;
the power ON/OFF switch 25, the heater switch 26, and the air
volume regulator 24 disposed inside the operating unit 18B are
prevented from being mischievously operated by the users. That is,
only the administrator or the cleaning worker who has set the
secret number can operate those components. That makes the
supervision task easier. Apart from that, the other configuration
is identical to that in the first embodiment.
[0074] In addition, in the identical manner of the operating unit
lock mechanism (third lock mechanism) 19B according to the present
embodiment, unlocking of the drain tank lock mechanism (first lock
mechanism) 15 according to the first embodiment and unlocking of
the air-filter-housing lock mechanism (second lock mechanism) 22
according to the second embodiment can also be performed by
inputting a secret number in the same secret number verification
screen 27 disposed in the main box body 1. In that case, for
example, distinction can be done by setting a secret number
starting with "1" for unlocking the operating unit lock mechanism
19 and setting a secret number starting with "2" for unlocking the
drain tank lock mechanism 15. Due to such a configuration, a
plurality of lock mechanisms can be unlocked without having to use
dedicated keys. That makes the supervision task easier and enables
achieving simplification of the apparatus.
Fourth Embodiment
[0075] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram explaining a condition when a
light receiving unit in the hand drying apparatus according to a
fourth embodiment of the present invention and a remote control
perform communication. Herein, the elements identical to those in
the first embodiment are referred to by the same reference numerals
and the explanation thereof is not repeated.
[0076] As described above, there is a danger that the drain tank or
the air filter is stolen or a danger that the power ON/OFF switch
25 or the air volume regulator 24 is mischievously operated. Hence,
lock mechanisms are individually disposed to deter theft or
mischievous operations. In the present embodiment, a remote-control
light receiving unit 30 is disposed at the top of the main box body
1 for receiving transmission details in the form of light from a
remote control. Herein, a dedicated remote control 29 transmits
signals for locking or unlocking the lock mechanisms. The
remote-control light receiving unit 30 receives those signals. A
microcomputer installed inside the main box body then recognizes
the transmission details and locks or unlocks the lock mechanisms
in an automatic manner.
[0077] The operations of locking and unlocking using the signals
input to the remote-control light receiving unit 30 from the remote
control 29 are applied as: the operations of locking and unlocking
the drain tank lock mechanism (first lock mechanism) 15 and the
operating unit lock mechanism (third lock mechanism) 19 according
to the first embodiment; the operations of locking and unlocking
the air-filter-housing lock mechanism (second lock mechanism) 22
according to the second embodiment. Such a configuration enables
the administrator or the cleaning worker to easily deter theft or
mischievous operations. Moreover, by using the same remote control
29 to perform the operations of locking and unlocking with respect
to the abovementioned plurality of lock mechanisms, it becomes
possible to simplify the apparatus. Such an effect can be achieved
by performing the operations of locking and unlocking with respect
to at least two lock mechanisms using the signals input to the same
remote-control light receiving unit 30 from the same remote control
29. In this case, if the locking-unlocking configuration using the
dedicated key 20 is concurrently provided, it becomes possible to
further improve the usability.
Fifth Embodiment
[0078] FIG. 10 is an enlarged view of the air filter housing
disposed in the hand drying apparatus according to a fifth
embodiment of the present invention. Herein, the elements identical
to those in the first embodiment are referred to by the same
reference numerals and the explanation thereof is not repeated. In
the present embodiment, a security alarm is disposed for ringing an
audible alert in case an attempt is made to remove the drain tank 9
or to open the housing cap 21 without correctly unlocking the lock
mechanisms.
[0079] As described above, the removable drain tank 9 or the air
filter 13 can be stolen. Hence, a buzzer (security alarm) that
rings an audible alert is disposed inside the main box body 1. If
an attempt is made to remove the drain tank 9 or to open the
housing cap 21 without correctly unlocking the lock mechanisms, the
buzzer rings the audible alert as a warning against a mischievous
operation. Moreover, at the time of cleaning, by inserting the
dedicated key 20 in a security alarm cancel button (commonly used
by a drain tank lock mechanism (first lock mechanism) 15B and an
air-filter-housing lock mechanism (second lock mechanism) 22B
alike), that is, by unlocking the lock mechanisms in a correct
manner; an unlock signal is input and the signal is recognized by a
microcomputer installed inside the main box body 1. The
microcomputer then disables the security alarm function thereby
enabling removal without an audible alert. Due to such a
configuration, users doing mischievous operations such as theft can
be warned and the people around can be informed about any such
incident. That makes the supervision task easier.
[0080] In the present embodiment, in an identical manner to
removing the drain tank or opening the housing cap, the audible
alert can also be rung if an attempt is made to open the operating
unit cap without correctly unlocking the lock mechanism.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
[0081] The present invention can be suitably applied to a hand
drying apparatus for hygienic drying of wet hands after
hand-washing, and can be particularly suitably applied to a hand
drying apparatus that includes a drain tank or an air filter
attached to a main body in a detachable manner or includes an
openable-closable operating unit.
* * * * *